Reported sexual assault numbers remaining consistent

By Gillian Slade on December 18, 2017.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade

Recent allegations of sexual assaults in the entertainment industry has not resulted in an increased number of reported sexual assaults locally, but it has had a positive impact, says Medicine Hat Police Service.

The majority of sexual offenses are not reported to police but more are being reported to sexual centres and the Sexual Assault Response Committee (SARC), said Insp. Brent Secondiak, with the MHPS.

“They are being gently encouraged to report to police when they’re ready,” said Secondiak.

There are many factors that influence whether someone feels comfortable reporting a sexual assault.

“Often times there’s intimidation, threats, embarrassment, humiliation, and it takes years to get over that and to be confident enough to get to a place where they’re able to report to police,” said Secondiak.

Victims of about half of the reported sexual assaults are between the ages of 11 and 20, he said. They are often coping with victim blaming, a lot of alcohol being involved and social anxiety.

“There’s a lot of social media intimidation …. as well,” said Secondiak.

This is probably exacerbated in a smaller community particularly if the perpetrator is a family member.

“It is difficult with family dynamics. It typically fractures family relationships,” said Secondiak. “And really a school is a small community.”

As the victim matures they may feel more empowered to report the assault. There is no physical evidence at that point.

“It is typically a statement based investigation,” said Secondiak.

These may deter some from coming forward, he said. Police work hard to break down those barriers. They have specially trained people for these interviews. It may not be realistic to expect a charge to be laid and there may not be a conviction for every charge. Sometimes it is the process of telling their story that helps to bring healing though, said Secondiak.

“Sometimes it is talking to one of the investigators and some of the councillors we have access to here that can start that healing process,” said Secondiak. “It is not a win or lose situation, it is part of your healing.”

The process can also encourage other victims to come forward. Secondiak says sometimes a news release with details of an assault triggers others coming forward too.

The number of reported sexual assaults locally have been fairly consistent since 2011 with between 65 and 73 sexual assaults reported every year.

“This year, as of yesterday, we’re at 59 for the year,” said Secondiak.

Together with SARC a third option was implemented for those seeking assistance after a sexual assault. Forensic evidence can now be collected in the emergency department even if the victim does not want to report the assault to the police at the time.

“We have done four this year (which are not included in the 59 total) that have not been reported to police,” said Secondiak. “We do store the kits here but we don’t know the name of the victim at all.”

Alberta Health Services takes forensic samples, identified by a code, that can be used in future if the victim chooses to come forward.